Happy New Year 2014!
Fresh starts,do overs, resolution lists, and promises made all come with the start of a brand new year! This year I resolve to work hard,be the best wife and mom that God created me to be, be super healthy and fit, to live life to the fullest and in all things eucharisteo.
I know, I know I am a little late to the show…the New York best seller book 1000 Gifts written by Ann Voskamp came out three years ago and I am now just discovering the book, sigh, I figure it’s better late than never. It took a friend asking me to read the book alongside of her so we could talk about it together…I love to read but not these kind of books. Novels I drink up allowing myself to get lost in a story, but books that are not novels are a bit harder for me because they tug at my heartstrings and require my brain to think. But I agreed to read it anyway.
I was not prepared in the least for the way it would change my life. Ann writes in such a way that life is jumping off the pages and raw, real emotion spilling over onto you. Feelings I have felt, and words I have thought but not said aloud unfold in each page. And her story and what she has been through..I just have no words for. And in all these things the challenge and dare to live life to the fullest through eucharisteo..giving thanks in all things!
Starting now in this moment on the first day of a new year I give thanks for all that I have been abundantly blessed with….
1. Snuggling in bed with the whole family
2.The fresh,fruity smell of my little ones hair after a bath
3.The strong touch of my hubby’s hand rubbing my back while I write this post
4.A good cup of coffee
5.Warm, maple syrup drizzled over-top my homemade waffles
6.The sound of my name being called because I am needed
7.Little ones giggling
All this was just in the hour after I woke…Imagine this idea of counting blessings, thankfulness all day long,everyday. I am on a mission to do just that. Won’t you join me on this journey of eucharisteo…to find thanks in all things..even the hardest of things…and believe me there will be those times.
This year I resolve to live life to the fullest and practice eucharisteo. I need a reminder, a visual, a constant remembering that I will give thanks in all things!
So..I created this to hang on my mantel, which is one of the focal points of our home.
Ah, yes a perfect reminder to count blessings and give thanks. I have included the letters and instructions below so you also can create your own reminder. Just right click on each letter to print!
What you’ll need:
4 inch plain or printed burlap
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Letters
**I was all ready to stencil/stamp my own burlap and then a friend told me about some printed burlap that she saw at Joann’s…so I went there to snatch it up! No worries if you can’t find a printed burlap, I was planning to use craft paint and a stencil similar to the printed burlap I ended up using, so if you are armed with some craft paint and a stencil, it will turn out great!**
Cut The Size Burlap That You Need
With your paintbrush apply a generous amount of Mod Podge to the back of each letter and place on burlap. Press each letter down firmly to the burlap. Allow to dry overnight. Apply more Mod Podge to any of the corners that may not have completely adhered to the burlap.
Find A Place To Hang! “The practice of giving thanks..eucharisteo..this is the way we practice the presence of God,stay present to His presence, and it is always the practice of the eyes. We don’t have to change what we see. Only the way we see it.” Ann Voskamp
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